Technology news and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Technology News and insights in the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa
Nearly six in ten consumers in Kuwait now rely primarily on digital payments, according to Visa. Cash use is falling across everyday categories, with peer-to-peer payments seeing the sharpest decline. Convenience, security, and rewards are driving the shift toward cards and mobile wallets.
Oman is accelerating its shift toward a cashless economy under Vision 2040, with new government systems and fintech innovation driving inclusion. The launch of GMEC’s Global Pay app enables secure, bank-free digital payments, supporting national digital growth and expanding access for both citizens and expatriates.
Global Money Exchange has launched Global Pay, a mobile payments app powered by Comviva, to accelerate Oman’s shift toward a cashless economy. The platform enables transfers, remittances, bill payments, and QR-based merchant payments without requiring a bank account, strengthening financial inclusion and interoperability across the Sultanate’s digital ecosystem.
AI, real-time payments and embedded finance are reshaping how money moves in Oman. Comviva CEO Rajesh Chandiramani says gamification, cybersecurity and mobile-first platforms are redefining financial services, with the launch of Global Pay Oman marking a key milestone in the country’s digital payments journey.
Network International has signed a strategic processing agreement with Saudi Sudanese Bank to deliver end-to-end digital payments, including Mastercard sponsorship and prepaid issuing. The partnership aims to modernise Sudan’s financial ecosystem, improve cross-border trade efficiency, and enable faster, safer, and more inclusive banking services.
stc Bahrain has partnered with online trading provider CFI to deliver secure, resilient ICT and connectivity services. The agreement places stc at the heart of CFI’s financial operations, enabling regulatory compliance, data protection, and uninterrupted service delivery while strengthening Bahrain’s digital and financial infrastructure.
FAB Misr and e& launched a digital-first campaign for the Ahlaweya Card that rewards fans every time Al Ahly SC wins. The playful concept links football victories to real benefits, turning banking into an emotional, loyalty-driven experience for younger customers.
Network International has partnered with Saudi Sudanese Bank to deliver end-to-end digital payment processing in Sudan. The agreement introduces Mastercard sponsorship, prepaid issuing, and value-added services, supporting the bank’s digital transformation and advancing modern, secure financial infrastructure across the country.
QNB will continue as Diamond Sponsor of Web Summit Qatar 2026, reinforcing its role in shaping Qatar’s digital future. The partnership supports fintech growth, entrepreneurship, and large-scale transformation across banking, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030 and connecting startups with global investors.
Pakistan’s Digital Nation 2025 vision aims to build a fully digital state by modernising governance, expanding financial inclusion, and embedding digital infrastructure across government. With e-office adoption, 120 million bank account targets, crypto integration, and youth-focused reforms, the strategy positions digitalisation as the backbone of national transformation.